Ostia

The train from Rome to Ostia takes just 20 minutes, but expect almost an hour’s drive over the 'Via del Mare’ and 'Via Cristoforo Colombo’ if you’re relying on a car to transport kit. Especially in summer, both arterial roads are permanently clogged up and it’s the same story on the coast-road from Ostia to Anzio. So – as ever in and around Rome – stay cool and relax, even if the trees are already swaying! Romans consider Ostia part of their city, but it definitely has its own character; a wonderful old town with Capocotta Beach to the south, even genuine dune landscapes. Ostia works best in Scirocco (south-easterly) or Mistral (north-westerly) and be prepared for some current in strong winds. In the westerly summer thermal, which isn't reinforced here so rarely blows stronger than 10 knots, everything stays flat and easy. Out of season, there are two launches right in the heart of town at this long city beach: 'Curvone’ at the roundabout, or 'La Rotonda’ complete with changing rooms. In summer, follow the coast-road south just beyond the bridge over a stream to 'Primo Cancello’, or even closer to Torvaianica at the windsports club 'Aquarius’. Both spots not only boast sandy beaches but official kite zones too. No matter where you park along the long Via Litoranea, don’t leave anything that might look valuable in your car.